Mulholland is the name of a winding road—Mulholland Drive—that runs along the ridge of the Santa Monica Mountains above Los Angeles. In everyday English, people also use “Mulholland” as shorthand for a certain mood: the mix of glamour, mystery, and unease that people associate with Hollywood after dark.
You’ll hear locals say things like, “Let’s take Mulholland home,” when they want a scenic night drive. Film fans might say a scene “feels very Mulholland,” meaning it’s stylish, noirish, and slightly unsettling. In short, the word has become code for the secretive, dreamlike side of L.A.
Meaning & Usage Examples
- “We took Mulholland and watched the city lights below.”
- “The movie has that Mulholland vibe—beautiful but creepy.”
- “Their rooftop party felt like Mulholland, all velvet ropes and hidden stories.”
Context / Common Use
Locals use the term in three ways: as a literal road for scenic drives, as a cultural reference to Hollywood mystery, and as a mood label in art or music. Tourists often learn the word from films like David Lynch’s *Mulholland Drive*, where the road itself is almost a character.
Is Mulholland a real street?
Yes. Mulholland Drive is a real, public road that stretches about 21 miles across the hills above Los Angeles.
Why is Mulholland linked to mystery?
Its twisting route, hidden homes, and nighttime city views create a cinematic setting. Movies and music videos have used it as a backdrop for decades, reinforcing the sense of secrets just out of sight.
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